Sidney's Rainbows

Recently, I joined Senator Barry Finegold at his first annual presentation of the Sue Tucker Award for Community Service.

My friend and colleague Sue Tucker – who served in the House and Senate for 20+ years – embodied public service. She was a trailblazing, highly effective and persuasive voice on behalf of the voiceless, especially children and seniors.

This award is intended to shine a light on an organization or individuals whose commitment to the community reminds us of Sue’s limitless capacity for doing good.

Congratulations to Mary Beth Ellis, Eric Olson and Sidney’s Rainbows for their tremendous impact in the Town of Andover!

Mary Beth Ellis and Eric Olson started Sidney’s Rainbow as a way to honor their daughter Sidney by advocating for safe streets and to encourage outdoor activity for kids. They have become effective advocates for policy including changes to streets design, Andover’s adoption of Vision Zero, and successful launch of its Complete Streets program.  They also create awareness and opportunity for kids to be together safely with family and friends through programming at the farmer’s market and the upcoming Sidney’s Rainbow Run.

Learn more here: https://www.therainbow.fund

Tarr In The News 11.11.24

TARR IN THE NEWS | 11.11.24

Excerpt from the Daily News of Newburyport Article by Matt Petry:

State Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, was also in attendance and spoke about how during these divisive times in America, celebrating veterans is a good way of bringing folks together.

“When we stand here, and those colors of the flag are raised and that anthem is sung, we’re reminded of something deep within our DNA that unites us as Americans,” Tarr said.

To read the full article, visit: https://www.newburyportnews.com/.../article_9b1ddcc0-a068...

📸: Keith Sullivan

Veterans Day 2024

 Veterans Day 2024

It is an incredible honor to reflect on and pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country in uniform.

I was proud to participate in Veterans Day services across our community, including in Gloucester, Hamilton, Ipswich, Newburyport, Salisbury, and Wenham. This day serves as a reminder that our nation’s strength comes from the countless veterans who have stood ready to defend it, and to all those who continue to serve.

On this Veterans Day, we not only honor those who have served but also express our deep gratitude for the families who support them. I am especially thankful for the organizations, volunteers, and local officials who help organize these important ceremonies, ensuring that we never forget the sacrifices made on our behalf.

Today, we pause to recognize their courage, sacrifice, and dedication to protecting the freedoms we hold dear.

Veterans Day 2024

Honoring Veterans Today and Every Day

Today, we pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served in our nation’s armed forces. Their sacrifices and commitment to safeguarding our freedoms remind us of the true cost of liberty and the courage it requires.

This Veterans Day, let us not only thank them, but also commit to supporting veterans and their families in every way possible.

To our veterans: we are forever grateful for your service and dedication. May we strive to honor your legacy by upholding the values you fought to protect.

Celebrating Veterans day in Ipswich

Honored to have sponsored the Annual Ipswich Veterans Breakfast, along with Brad Hill and the Veterans Service Office, last week in celebration of Veterans Day at the First Church of Ipswich.

NEWWA Symposium

. I was honored to be the Keynote Speaker at the recent New England Water Works Association (NEWWA) Symposium held at the Devens Common Center.

To a full auditorium of water utility managers, planners, public works managers, consulting and regulatory professionals, and watershed association representatives, I was able to present "Building Water Resilience: A Collaborative Blueprint for the Future": which focused on the work being done by the North Shore Water Resiliency Task Force, specifically the evolution of the group, the varying viewpoints shared, how we coalesced the communities and my fellow colleagues to support this effort, and funding I have secured for the on-going evaluations.

Learning the Importance of the Fishing Industries

Recently, William Currier, our Legislative Aide of Sustainability attended the Agriculture Committee and Coastal Caucus’ Oyster Farm Tour & Roundtable.

My colleagues Chair Schmid and Chair Comerford hosted with a visit to one of the many oyster farms that have been affected by combined sewer overflow (CSO) closures this year.

The group toured Blue Stream Aquaculture’s oyster farm, followed by a discussion about the importance of the shellfish industry and how the legislature can support growers

Compass Youth Program Graduation

Recently I was honored to deliver remarks to the graduating class at the Compass Youth Program Graduation held at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport.

Congratulations to the graduates for all of their hard work leading up to this moment and best wishes for success in your future endeavors!

To learn more about Action Inc.’s Compass Youth Program, visit: https://actioninc.org/education/compass-youth-program/

Merrimack College Grand Opening of Life Sciences Lab

Recently, joined my colleagues Senator Barry Finegold and MA State Rep. Tram T. Nguyen and Dr. Kirk Taylor, President and CEO of MLSC and her team at the Grand Opening of the Life Sciences Instrumentation Lab in Palmisano Hall at Merrimack College in North Andover.

I was honored to share words of encouragement during the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony as they continue their journey toward becoming a leading anchor research institution.

The Life Sciences Instrumentation Lab was established through a generous $750,000 grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) Workforce Development Capital Program. This funding has enabled Merrimack College to acquire state-of-the-art life sciences equipment, significantly enhancing our ability to prepare students for high-demand careers and to strengthen training programs that address critical skill and talent gaps in the state's life sciences industry.

The Open Door's Annual Breakfast

When You Help, Hope Will Follow

Recently shared remarks at The Open Door’s Annual Autumn Breakfast held at the Beauport Hotel in Gloucester.

The Autumn Breakfast kicks off the giving season for The Open Door Holiday Basket program, which helps keep local people fed through the holidays and beyond. Holiday Baskets provide households with all the ingredients needed to make a special meal at home for Thanksgiving and the December Holidays.

The event also honors outstanding volunteers and celebrates community.

Our Neighbors Table Annual Breakfast

Our Constituent Services Legislative Liaison Kristin McDonald recently attended the Our Neighbors Table’s Annual Breakfast at the Blue Ocean Music Hall.

Donors, sponsors, volunteers, local leaders, partners and supporters from across the region joined together because “together, we’ll make every table full.”

Congratulations to The Dolan-McDonald Family and SPS New England for being the 2024 Community Champion Award winners!

Chebacco Lake & Watershed Association Fall Forum

Recently had the opportunity to speak to attendees at the Chebacco Lake & Watershed Association’s Fall Forum at the American Legion in Manchester. Everyone gathered to continue important discussions of lake health and restoration.

For more information on the CLWA’s efforts, visit: https://chebaccolake.org/.../CLWA-Sep2024-20240918v2-0.pdf 

Gloucester Receives $10,000 for AEDs

Officially presented the check for a local earmark I secured in the FY25 Budget: $10,000 for the City of Gloucester, MA to be used for Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs).

I was joined by my colleague Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante, Mayor Greg Verga, City of Gloucester, members of City Council, Chief Eric Smith and other local officials.

Middleton Wildfire Field Command Center

Last night, I joined my colleague Sally Kerans for State Representative for a situational progress update on the containment elements of the wildfire at the Town of Middleton Wildfire Field Command center.

Thank you to everyone involved, including Middleton Fire Department Chief LeColst, Massachusetts Deputy Chief Fire Warden of Forest Fire Control Andy Regan, the North Shore Mutual Aid Fire Departments, and to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency for their collaborative efforts with a mutual aid response.

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month - a time to bring attention to one of the most challenging cancers affecting families across our nation.

As we turn the month purple, we honor patients, survivors, and the memories of those we have lost.

Join me in raising awareness, sharing this post, and supporting the dedicated work towards a cure.

Let’s continue to fight for a future where no one faces pancreatic cancer alone. 💜

Seafood Day 2024

I was proud to once again sponsor our annual Seafood Day at the State House bringing together nearly 18 fishing organizations from across the Commonwealth to celebrate the vital contributions of the seafood industry.

The event, co-hosted by the Massachusetts Fishermen’s Partnership, Massachusetts Seafood Collaborative, and Fishing Partnership Support Services, highlighted the industry's critical role in our state's economy, food security, job creation, tourism, and the preservation of a multigenerational way of life in coastal communities.

Legislators and their staff had the opportunity to sample locally prepared seafood and learn why continued investment in this industry is so important.

Harborlight Homes Annual Journey Home Event 2024

Great time had by all at the Harborlight Homes’ Annual Journey Home 2024 Event!

Harborlight Homes (HH) is a non-profit, Massachusetts-certified Community Development Corporation. By focusing on the housing needs of underserved populations and creating, preserving and operating, safe, affordable housing with supplemental supportive services, HH strives to make homes available to all, because everyone deserves a home.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – a time to stand together in support of survivors, honor the memories of those we've lost, and raise awareness about the importance of early detection and research in the fight against this disease.

Breast cancer affects far too many lives, but through education, support, and continued advancements in medical research, we can make a difference. Let’s take this month to encourage regular screenings and ensure that everyone has access to the care and resources they need.

Together, we can help save lives and move closer to a cure.

Purple Thursday 2024

Today is #PurpleThursday.

On this national day of action to raise awareness about #domesticviolence let us show support by wearing purple which symbolizes peace, courage, survival, honor, and dedication to ending domestic violence.

For information, services, and help for yourself or someone you care about:

Safelink: 1-877-785-2020 is a 24-hour, free, and confidential multi-lingual domestic violence hotline in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts FSC at the Topsfield Fair

For the first time in its history the Massachusetts Food System Caucus  (FSC) convened at the iconic Topsfield Fair to engage with agricultural and fishing industry stakeholders learning about their experiences in the industry, the challenges they face, food security infrastructure grants and ways to further support their efforts.

As Senate Co-Chair of the FSC, I joined my fellow FSC House Co-Chair and Chair of the Joint Committee on Agriculture Representative Paul Schmid and Co-Chair Representative Andy X. Vargas, my Topsfield State Legislative Delegation, Kristin Kassner State Representative 2nd Essex District and Sally Kerans for State Representative, and my FSC member colleagues from the Senate and House, in listening to the guest speakers share their needs to continue to keep the farming and fishing industries thriving for generations to come.

Tarr In the news 10.11.24

Tarr in the News | 10.11.24

Ipswich honors combat veterans with designation as “Purple Heart Town”

“We are both extremely honored to be here tonight for this incredibly important act on the part of this board,” Tarr said.

He celebrated Purple Heart recipients who have “made incredible sacrifices so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we have in our lives,” and thanked Bohn for his efforts to ensure that “the promises we make to our veterans are kept, in terms of the benefits they are eligible to receive.”

Honoring Yom Kippur

G'mar Chatimah Tovah!

Wishing all of my Jewish friends, constituents, and the community an easy fast tonight as you observe Yom Kippur.

Tarr In the News 10.11.24

Tarr In the News | 10.11.24

Yesterday, I attended the Ceremonial Bill Signing by Governor Healey of H.4919, An Act to increase kennel safety, aka "Ollie's Law."

Ollie was a 7-month-old Labradoodle puppy who sadly lost his life at a daycare facility that has since been shut down. Ollie’s owner, Amy Baxter, said she was devastated when she got a call that her puppy had been injured in a dog fight at the private boarding facility. Ollie underwent surgery and was in the hospital for two months before he died she said.

This bipartisan legislation will ensure our furry friends are protected and I am grateful to my fellow legislators, the animal advocates, and to Amy and her daughter for their tireless dedication to getting this bill signed into law.

Tarr In the News 10.10.24

Tarr In the News | 10.10.24

A tentative timeline and price tag were attached to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s proposed artificial reef project during Tuesday’s presentation from MIT Sea Grant Director Michael Trian

tafyllou as the university eyes Salisbury Beach as a pilot location.

World Mental Health Day 2024

World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.

Today provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.

For mental health resources in Massachusetts, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/mental-health-resources

Annual HAWC Working to Heal Breakfast

Thank you to HAWC (Healing Abuse and Working for Change) for hosting another meaningful Working to Heal Breakfast event put on annually in October in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 

Members of the business community and caring stakeholders came together to support their Fund-a-Need Auction and former HAWC clients share about the impact HAWC had on their life

Sunset Harvest Fundraiser 2024

Joined Tany Blasko, Nourishing the North Shore Executive Director and guest Bonnie Schultz from Among Friends in sharing remarks to kickoff the 2024 Sunset Harvest Fundraiser!

A beautiful evening spent at the Sunset Club in Newbury to celebrate the work that Nourishing the North Shore does to support those in need with fresh, local fruits and vegetables.

Topsfield Fair 6th Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest

This past Saturday I had the pleasure of emceeing the Topsfield Fair’s 6th Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest alongside Marc Freedman of the B’nai B’rith Jewish food booth.

Congratulations to first-participant and winner Colin Coates of New Hampshire!

Flag Raising Ceremony at the Topsfield Fair

Kicked off the 206th year of the Topsfield Fair on Friday evening by sharing remarks at the Flag Raising Opening Ceremony at the Trianon Stage at the Topsfield Fair!

The event was well attended by the Topsfield state legislative delegation, public and local officials, and fair goers with a special Honor Guard raising the flag by the Topsfield Fair Veterans.

Gloucester CORE Peer Recovery and Resource Center Open House

Last Sunday I attended the 2nd Anniversary of the CORE Peer Recovery & Resource Center and Open House in Gloucester.

I toured their newly expanded space that included a larger community kitchen and dining area, a fitness room, and a much-needed larger meeting and activity room and much more.

Funded by the Massachusetts Bureau of Substance Addiction Services, the CORE is a stigma and judgement free peer-to peer recovery space that offers long-term support to adults 18 years old and up that are recovering from substance use issues.

Tarr In the News 10.1.24

Tarr in the News | 10.1.24

Merrimack River Stakeholders Reconvene at Lowell Waste Water Treatment Plant

Senators Tarr, Ed Kennedy, and Others Reconvene a Broad Array of MA and NH Stakeholders to Discuss Next Steps to Benefit Merrimack River, Stem Episodic Overflows (also known as Combined Sewage Outputs)

On Monday, September 30th, myself and a group of Massachusetts and New Hampshire state legislators, representatives of the Massachusetts and New Hampshire federal legislative delegations, other public officials, and environmental advocates met at the Lowell Wastewater Treatment Plant for a continued discussion around current and potential future initiatives, challenges, technologies, and strategies involved in ongoing efforts to improve the water quality of the Merrimack River, with a particular focus on combined sewer overflows and related effluent discharges into the river.

The visit, hosted by Aaron Fox, Lowell Regional Wastewater Utility Executive Director, provided the opportunity to continue proactive conversations about further steps to benefit the river, which have been steadily gaining momentum over the past several years.

35th Annual Memorial Ceremony for the Massachusetts Law Enforcement

Our Strength is in their Memories

The 35th annual memorial ceremony for the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation was held last week in the Gardner Auditorium at the State House.

This year during the 2024 Memorialization Induction two fallen officers from our district were added to the list of 428 fallen Massachusetts officers with line of duty deaths.

Ceremonial Signing of Act H.5033

Last week, Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano, Senate President Karen E. Spilka, advocates, and my fellow House and Senate colleagues came together for a ceremonial signing of H.5033, An Act to improve quality and oversight of long-term care.

This legislation improves oversight and standards at Long Term Care (LTC) and assisted living facilities to ensure that older adults are receiving high quality care delivered by qualified providers. The bill also takes steps to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities.

Honoring Rosh Hashanah

Happy New Year to my Jewish friends, constituents, and to our entire Jewish community - Shana Tova!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Gloucester Annual Fish Box Derby

Fantastic time had by all at the Fish Box Derby in Gloucester this past weekend! 

Thank you to the Amvets Post 32 Gloucester, MA, Capt. Lester S. Wass American Legion Post 3, Gloucester Police Department (Official), Cape Ann Veterans Services, all of the volunteers, and to the participants and their families for making this year’s race such a success!

Annual Boxford Apple Festival

Great time had by all at the Annual Boxford Apple Festival this year!

Wonderful event showcasing local vendors while also helping the Boxford Historical Society maintain the Holyoke-French House.

🍁Great way to kick off the Fall season🍁

Walk Against Domestic Violence

The Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center is hosting their Annual Walk Against Domestic Violence on Sunday, October 6, 2024 at 9 A.M. during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Each year individuals, families, local businesses, students, organizations, and church groups in our communities join together with to walk to honor of the victims and the survivors of domestic violence, to raise awareness about this issue and its impact on the residents of our communities, and to raise much needed dollars to support the free services they provide every day.

The Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center assists on average 1,200 survivors and their children each year from 16 local communities. The Walk allows everyone to take a visible and proactive stance against a very real problem that often happens behind closed doors. Survivors of domestic violence are our friends, family members, employees or neighbors.

This is a family-friendly and dog-friendly event that will include music, children’s activities and delicious food and beverages. We are excited this year for the route to walk along the beautifully updated waterfront path in Newburyport!

Click here to sign up and learn more: https://jeannegeigercrisiscenter.org/.../annual-walk.../

#jeannegeigercrisiscenter #domesticviolenceawareness #walkagainstdomesticviolence

Gold Star Mothers & Families Day

As we observe Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day this year, let us remember that no one has given more for the nation than the families of the fallen and let them know they will never be forgotten.

Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day is in honor of the mothers and families who have lost a child or loved one while serving in the armed forces.

#Sacrifice #Remembrance #Strength #GoldStarMothers #goldstarfamilies #statesenatorbrucetarr

Merrimack College New Residence Halls

Congratulations to Merrimack College on the groundbreaking of their new residence halls!

Joined my colleague State Representative Adrianne Ramos at the groundbreaking ceremony to present them with official citations marking this momentous occasion.

A selection of my remarks during the ceremony highlighted below ⬇️

“This building will be a home to so many students and more importantly, it will be a crucible to learning and the realization of students’ dreams and the advancement of this institution,” Tarr said. “Because when these shovels go in the ground, it will recognize investments, it will bring a modern feel to this campus, it will welcome more students and it will certainly be an asset not only to the surrounding communities, but also to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.”

To read the full press release, visit:

https://www.merrimack.edu/.../merrimack-college-breaks.../

#RiseWithMerrimack #merrimackcollege #northandoverma #statesenatorbrucetarr

Newburyport's Hillside Center for Sustainable Living

Last week, I was able to join Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer and State Representative Dawne Shand on a tour of Hall and Moskow’s latest project at the Hillside Center for Sustainable Living in Newburyport.

We were able to experience first hand the newly innovative and energy efficient materials being used in the construction of these new homes.

Learn more here: http://www.hillsidecenterforsustainableliving.com

📸: Sadie Woodward

#sustainableliving #newburyportma #statesenatorbrucetarr

Bill Signing to Criminalize Sexual Assault

Yesterday, I attended Governor Healey's Ceremonial Bill Signing of legislation I sponsored, H.4530, An Act criminalizing sexual assault by fraud of a medical professional. 

Trust is the foundation of the relationship between a doctor and a patient, and when that trust is abused to commit sexual assault, there must be clear and meaningful punishment. This bill will ensure that such punishment is available, and that prosecutors and victims have the tools they need to bring justice to these types of cases.

Thank you to my colleague and the bill’s House Sponsor, Rep Kate Hogan, District Attorney Marian Ryan,  and the countless advocates who all ensured this legislation became law to prosecute the perpetrators for the insidious crimes committed against victims.

To learn more about this important legislation, visit:

https://www.mass.gov/.../governor-healey-expands...

#sexualassault #fraudprevention #mapoli #statesenatorbrucetarr

Newburyport Lions Club Annual Kickball 2024

Great time “kicking” off Salisbury Days at the annual Newburyport Lions Club Kickball Tournament and Concert 2024!

#kickball #KickballTournament #salisburyma #salisburydays #statesenatorbrucetarr

Honoring Those Who Make Salisbury Shine

Kicked off the annual Salisbury Days Opening Ceremony in Lion's Park this past Friday by presenting official Senate & House citations with my colleague State Representative Dawne Shand celebrating the Salisbury Shine Awardees for 2024:  Salisbury residents Rick Williams, Jean Mercer, Jocelyn Daigle.

Here is an excerpt from the Daily News of Newburyport article by Matt Petry:

“There’s so many great people in town and so many people doing a variety of wonderful things. The Salisbury Shines awards is just one way we can highlight how special the people in our community are,” organizer Jenn Roketenetz said.

State Sen. Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, said he is excited to be in town for the kickoff event.

“Salisbury is an incredibly strong community. For me, Salisbury Days is a celebration of that strength and the people who give the community that strength,” he said.

Tarr stressed the importance of highlighting unsung heroes in communities.

“They’re doing incredible things to help their neighbors but they’re not doing it for recognition, and taking a few minutes out of the day and out of those several days to recognize them, I think, is very important,” Tarr said.

The recipients will each be honored in a different category, with Williams receiving the “lifetime” award, Mercer receiving the “here and now” award, and Daigle receiving the newly added “youth” award.

Read the full article below ⬇

https://www.newburyportnews.com/.../article_8bbfd95e-75ed...

#shineawards #salisburyma #salisburydays #statesenatorbrucetarr

National POW/MIA Recognition Day 2024

 

On Friday, I had the honor of attending an incredibly moving ceremony commemorating National POW/MIA Recognition Day held by the Essex County Sheriff's Department at their Middleton facility honoring more than 81,000 unaccounted U.S. service personnel.

#YouAreNotForgotten #POWMIARecognitionDay #middletonma #statesenatorbrucetarr 

Tarr in the News 9.20.24

Tarr In the News | 9.20.24

Officials hopeful beach nourishment project will begin soon

Read the full Daily News of Newburyport article by Matt Petry here ⬇

https://www.newburyportnews.com/.../article_fa06de12-75e8...

#salisburybeach #salisburyma #statesenatorbrucetarr

Newbury Plum Fest 2024

Great time had by all at Plum Fest 2024 - thank you to all of the volunteers and generous supporters who organized this island-wide celebration of music and community!

#newburyma #PlumFest #statesenatorbrucetarr